The year 2000 was a time of change. It was a new millennium, where we had weathered Y2K and optimism seemed to be boundless. The internet was beginning to really change and grow, with broadband penetration soaring and the average barrier to entry seeming to be lower by the day.
It was at this time that Toonami was hitting its stride. T.O.M. was stepping up with a new look, a new attitude, and a new voice by Steve Blum. The lineup was growing, and the number of heavy-hitters seemed endless. Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z, and Outlaw Star dotted the block, becoming fixtures in the fan community that continue to generate buzz today.
It was at this time, that Gundam Wing made its grand entrance. The series was previewed with the reverence of a Hollywood film, with Peter Cullen’s (Transformers, Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs, IGPX) booming voice serving as narrator. “In the distant future, mankind has reached the stars” became the prelude to action, a driver of hype that continues to send shivers down the spines of anime fans today.
Last night, Toonami decided to take fans back to that time as they promoted Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans. The 90-second promo borrows the format of their Gundam Wing teaser, down to the musical choices and opening lines. It’s a total nostalgia bomb for those who have memories of eagerly hurrying home every weekday to catch Toonami after school or work.
Unfortunately, the new teaser doesn’t feature Cullen’s dulcet tones, as he is effectively retired. Outside of Optimus Prime and Winnie The Pooh‘s Eeyore, Cullen has hung up his headphones and mic. At age 74, his voice isn’t what it used to be, and he wishes to enjoy his golden years. Adult Swim’s Jason DeMarco explained further:
https://twitter.com/Clarknova1/status/731718970215124992
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is an original series by Sunrise. The title, which began airing on October 4, 2015, was directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai (anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, A Certain Scientific Railgun) at Sunrise. Michinori Chiba (Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Someday’s Dreamers) provided character designs on the project, while Mari Okada (Black Butler, Selector Infected Wixoss) tackled series composition.
Sunrise describes the show as:
The Earth Sphere had lost its previous governing structure, and a new world was created under new systems of government. While a temporary peace had arrived, the seeds of a new conflict were being sown in the Mars Sphere, far away from Earth.
The English dub cast includes:
- Mikazuki Augus: Kyle McCarley
- Orga Itsuka: Johnny Yong Bosch
- Biscuit Griffon: Erik Scott Kimerer
- Eugene Sevenstark: Bryce Papenbrook
- Akihiro Altland: Doug Erholtz
- Norba Shino: Lucien Dodge
- Takaki Uno: Zach Aguilar
- Ride Mass: Amanda Miller
- Yamagi Gilmerton: Griffin Burns
- Kudelia Aina Bernstein: Cherami Leigh
- Atra Mixta: Cassandra Lee Morris
- McGillis Fareed: Steve Cannon
- Gaelio Bauduin: Robbie Daymond
- Ein Dalton: Max Mittelman
Toonami will begin airing Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans on June 4, at 12:30AM.
You can check out the original Gundam Wing teaser below:
Source: Twitter (Clarknova1)
